This guide covers the key preparedness topics from the survey and provides action steps you can take today to protect yourself, your family, and your home. Bookmark this page, or download a printable version at the link below to keep this as a quick reference.
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Emergency Preparedness Home Fire Safety Wildfire Preparedness Evacuation Planning When to Call 9-1-1 Key Resources
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
- Store at least 3 days of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, and essential medications.
- Include a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a first aid kit, and copies of important documents. Visit COSWildfireReady.org/emergency-supply-kit for an emergency supply kit checklist.
TIP: Keep a portable phone charger and cash on hand in case power and electronic payment systems go down.
Create a Family Communication Plan
- Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with during an emergency.
- Make sure all household members know the plan and have emergency contact numbers written down.
- Identify a meeting location if your household cannot return home.
TIP: If you use a cell phone, a text message may get through when a phone call will not.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
- Register for Peak Alerts at PeakAlerts.org to receive emergency notifications for El Paso and Teller County.
- If you do not have internet access, call (719) 785-1971 to register by phone.
TIP: If you are not registered for Peak Alerts, you may not receive time-sensitive emergency notifications. Sign up today.
Protect Your Assets
- Review your homeowner’s, renter’s, or property insurance policy annually. Understand what is covered and what is excluded.
- Keep copies of insurance documents, identification, and financial records in a waterproof container or secure digital backup.
HOME FIRE SAFETY
Smoke Alarms
- Install working smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside and outside each sleeping area.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years from the date of manufacture. Replace batteries every year unless your alarm has a 10-year sealed lithium battery.
- Use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.
- Never cover, disable, or remove a smoke alarm.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety
- Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Replace every 7 years.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. High levels can be fatal within minutes.
- Never run vehicles, generators, or gas grills indoors or in an attached garage. After a snowstorm, clear vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace.
- If a carbon monoxide (CO) detector sounds, immediately move to fresh air outdoors and call 9-1-1.
Home Fire Escape Plan
- Draw a floor plan of your home showing all windows and doors. Find two ways out of each room.
- Choose a safe outdoor meeting place where everyone will gather.
- Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year.
TIP: Visit ColoradoSprings.gov/FirePreventionSafety for more safety tips.
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
CSFD Wildfire Mitigation Programs
The Colorado Springs Fire Department offers programs to help you reduce wildfire risk:
- Determine your wildfire risk: Visit COSWildfireReady.org/know-your-homes-wildfire-risk to see if you live in the Wildland Urban Interface.
- Neighborhood Chipping Program: Free curbside collection and chipping of tree limbs and brush for high-risk areas.
- Cost Share Stipend Program: Financial assistance for wildfire mitigation work on your property if you live in the wildland urban interface (WUI).
- Wildfire Risk Assessment and Onsite Consultation: Free on-site consultations to evaluate your home’s wildfire risk and recommend improvements. Call (719) 385-7493 to sign up.
- Firewise USA® Support: Help for neighborhoods seeking national Firewise recognition.
TIP: Visit COSWildfireReady.org for details on all CSFD wildfire mitigation programs, resources, and how to sign up.
EVACUATION PLANNING
Before an Evacuation
- Know at least two evacuation routes from your home, neighborhood, and workplace.
- Keep an emergency go-bag packed with essentials: medications, documents, phone charger, water, snacks, clothing, and pet supplies.
- If anyone in your household requires special assistance to evacuate (mobility limitations, medical equipment, etc.), plan ahead and identify who will provide support.
During an Evacuation
- Leave immediately when officials issue an evacuation order. Delaying puts you and first responders at risk.
- Follow official evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts—they may be blocked or dangerous.
- Take your pets with you. Know which shelters or hotels accept animals.
After an Evacuation
- Do not return home until officials confirm it is safe.
- Document damage with photos for insurance purposes before cleaning up.
- Watch for hazards such as downed power lines, weakened structures, and lingering smoke.
WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 to stop a crime, report a fire, or save a life. Before calling, ask yourself: Is this life-threatening? Is someone in danger? Is it happening right now?
Medical Emergencies — Call 9-1-1
- Loss of consciousness, loss of limb, gasping for air or not breathing
- Chest pain, uncontrollable bleeding, stroke-like symptoms, severe allergic reaction
- Any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention
When You Call 9-1-1
- Remain calm. Give the dispatcher your address or location.
- Answer all questions—answering does not delay the response.
- Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.
TIP: Text-to-911 is available in El Paso and Teller County. Call if you can, text if you can’t. Include the address and nature of the emergency in your first text.
For non-emergency assistance: Call (719) 444-7000